Abov the Noise – December 2023

Abov App | Posted on December 30, 2023 |

December 2023 – Issue #15

Abov: Elevate Your Whiskey

We’re celebrating ATN a week late because the Abov team was at WhiskyFest Las Vegas last week (sorry not sorry). And thanks to our guest appearance from Double Neat last month, we haven’t seen you since October! We’ve still got all the best whisky news, notes, and reviews for the month though, so grab a dram and settle in.

JOLLY (VERY OLD) ST. NICK!

Just in Time!

One of our favorite distilleries in Kentucky, Preservation, just announced two very limited bottle releases of their famous Very Old St. Nick bourbons to celebrate the holiday season. “Straight Outta Bardstown” is a 9-year release while the “Notorious O.S.N” is an amazing looking 16-year. If you happen to be in the Bardstown area this month and are looking for an amazing bottle to show off to friends and family for the holidays, we can’t recommend this one enough!

I want to meet St. Nick! >>

GO FEST YOUNG MAN

WhiskyFest!

We think about whiskey a lot, it’s kinda what we do. And this thinking lead us to ask, why do we have to keep our love of whiskey to only times that we’re drinking it? We’re excited to announce that we’re offering whiskey merch for whiskey people! Check out the shop and let us know what you think. Something you want that we don’t quite have? Let us know and we can get it!

What whisk(e)y fest do you love?>>

QUEEN VICTORIA'S WHISKEY

Treasure Trove

Ever thought to yourself “I wonder what kind of whisky Queen Victoria drank?” Us neither, but I find myself wanting a sip of the whisky found in Blair Castle this month that was distilled in 1833 (!!!). All 24 bottles were auctioned off at between £14,000-£19,000. If any Abov users got their hands on a bottle, let us know!

WHAT'S IN YOUR GLASS?

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Stocking up on the classics for Christmas and New Years, the standard Buffalo Trace was topping your tasting lists this past month. While Buffalo Trace has fallen victim to price gouging even more than many brands of late, this is still a great bourbon if you can get your hands on a bottle at a reasonable price!

USER REVIEW OF THE MONTH

mdobie – Coopers’ Craft Barrel Reserve – 91/100

“A great bourbon and fantastic value, thus the reason for the score. Sweet banana pudding, with toffee and cinnamon. Short finish.”

See more of our favorite reviews >>

WHAT WHISKYFEST WAS DRINKING

RD One Bourbon Finished with Brazilian Amburana Wood

While the primary goal for the Abov team at WhiskyFest was networking, that didn’t stop us from trying a few (ok, many) pours while we were there.

Although there were many great whiskeys to be had, the hands-down favorite and most interesting dram we got our hands on was this Amburana finished bourbon from up-and-coming RD One Spirits.

Perfect for the holiday season, this was Christmas in a glass. Cinnamon and pine sweetness, married with a whole host of spices, oak, and sweet vanilla made for a unique and delicious pour.

Although finished bourbons may not sit well with some purists, the range of flavors created by RD One was as impressive as it was tasty. Definitely a distillery to keep your eye on in 2024.

RATING 89/100

MOST COVETED WHISK(E)Y THIS MONTH

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

If you are on the nice list this year, the whiskey elves have the bourbon for you, with notes of caramel, spices, and a finish that’s longer than your holiday shopping list. Forget the mistletoe; stand under the Blanton’s bottle and let the festive spirit pour in. Cheers to holidays done right!

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